Diabetic Syringe (Sharps) Program Update

Are you a diabetic that needs a place to dispose of syringes? The District has puncture proof containers available to individuals needing this type of assistance. Containers are available at the District office and participating local pharmacies. Once a container has been filled, close the lid and place it in with your regular household garbage.

To obtain a container, call the District at 1-800-777-5462 or visit this website.

If you are unable to come to our office to receive a container, follow these guidelines to safely dispose of your sharps. Syringes may be landfilled as long as they are properly stored. Syringes must be placed in a strong plastic container with cap or lid that screws on tightly. Examples: plastic bleach jug or plastic liquid detergent bottle. Avoid glass containers, lightweight plastic containers and containers that could be returned to a store. A full container should be placed in your garbage can with the lid tightly secured.

Tobacco-Free

On Monday, March 19, Governor Daniels signed into law House Enrolled Act No. 1149, which outlines the state-wide smoking restrictions. The Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission (TPC) at the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), in collaboration with the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC), has created a task force comprised of state and local partners and not-for-profit partners to examine the implementation and what tools will be needed to create a comprehensive and successful implementation plan.

The implementation plan has several tools and resources available for local health departments and your local partners. The ISDH has created a website that is designed to provide information to local partners regarding the implementation of the new law. The webpage includes information about the new law, enforcement, how the state law works with established local ordinances, FAQs and information about the Indiana Tobacco Quitline. A more consumer-friendly implementation website is available at breatheindiana.com. The ATC website also includes FAQs and offers sample statutory compliant smoking signs that can be posted at businesses.

The business education kit materials and postcards will soon be available for disbursement. A postcard will be sent out to Indiana businesses that will be affected by the new law. The postcard prompts business owners to visit breatheindiana.com to order a business education kit. Additionally, there is also a return postcard attached that can be torn off and sent to TPC if the business owner prefers ordering their materials via mail. The business education kit includes website information, window clings, posters, coasters, palm cards, table tents, a brochure on the new law and a checklist for businesses to help them prepare for the new law.

Healthy Living

Eating Right
Student Health and Wellness Guide
Fitness Lose Weight
Smoke-Free
Stress

Cervical Health Awareness Month
National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)
www.nccc-online.org

National Birth Defects Prevention Month
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
www.marchofdimes.com

National Blood Donor Month
American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)
www.aabb.org

National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Glaucoma Research Foundation
www.glaucoma.org

National Nutrition Month
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
www.eatright.org

 

 

Vector-Borne Diseases

Lyme Disease

Mosquitoes: West Nile Virus (CDC) (ISDH) (LCHD)

Rabies

Rodents
Avian/Bird Flu
Vector Borne Infectious (CDC) (USGS)

 

 

Blue-Green Algae

Algae are natural components of marine and fresh water flora performing many roles that are vital for the health of ecosystems. However, excessive growth of algae becomes a nuisance to users of water bodies for recreation activities and to drinking water providers. Excessively dense algal growth could alter the quantity and quality of light in the water column. Some types of algae may also cause harm through the release of toxins. When conditions like light availability, warm weather, low turbulence and high nutrient levels are favorable, algae can rapidly multiply causing “blooms.” When blooms (or dense surface scums) are formed, the risk of toxin contamination of surface waters increases especially for some species of algae with the ability to produce toxins and other noxious chemicals. These are known as harmful algal blooms (HABs).

 

What is a cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cHAB)?=CyanoHABs

Information from in.gov regarding blue-green algae

Breast Cancer Prevention

Breast cancer will affect an average of one in seven women during their lifetime and is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Numerous studies prove that early detection is an important component in the successful treatment of breast cancer. Early detection increases effective treatment options and the possibility of a cure.

Schedule of the Mobile Mammography Coach visiting LaGrange County in 2025


American Cancer Society
Breast Diagnostic Center
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana
Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
Breastcancer.org